This trail, known as the Via dell'ardesia, was once used by women called "Camalle" or "Lavagnine" to carry slate slabs from the quarries to the sea. Besides its historical significance, the route offers stunning landscapes.
Start with enough water for the entire hike, as there are no water sources along the way. Avoid this trail when wet, as the slate can become slippery.
Begin in the historic center of Lavagna, near the Basilica di Santo Stefano (Piazza Guglielmo Marconi). There are no official markers here, but occasional red arrows (sometimes faded) guide the way. It's generally straightforward.
Take the alley to the right of the church, skirting the cemetery's boundary wall, and intersect Via Cogorno, an asphalt road. Follow it for about 200 meters, then continue on the left path along the cemetery.
After passing the cemetery's driveway entrance, walk on the paved road for about 400 meters to reach the Cappella della N.S. della Neve. Here, take the path climbing left (Via Neve) for about 1 km, crossing Via Cogorno several times, until you reach a hairpin bend with a sign for Cogorno.
Take the road left for about 50 meters, then ascend right to rejoin the mule track. This path climbs through olive groves and impressive dry stone walls, passing Chiappe and reaching San Bartolomeo, a small cluster of houses with a wonderful view of the Gulf of Tigullio.
Cross the road behind the white chapel and ascend to intersect Via Belvedere.
Continue uphill, passing the turn for Via Campanile, and after about 20 meters, take the path on the right between the houses.
Climb along part of Via Costigliolo to a bend, then turn left onto Via Giuseppe Raffo. This path still shows traces of ancient farming with its dry stone walls and "ciappe" with holes for vineyard poles. Reach a panoramic point overlooking Lavagna, Chiavari, and the Western Tigullio Gulf.
At Via Renda, an asphalt road, follow it left for a few meters, then take a right at a stone house onto a staircase. Here, the Gruppo Alpini di Cogorno has placed a plaque in memory of the slate carriers.
Enter the woods on a beautiful slate-paved path leading to an abandoned quarry, reaching Monte San Giacomo (536 m) about an hour and a half from the start. Here, find wooden benches to rest.
Wooden panels indicate directions. Continue towards "Anello San Giacomo" following the marker 
. After about 500 meters, pass a second open-air quarry, exit the woods, and reach a panoramic point with a 360° view.
Enjoy sweeping views of the Gulf and mountains, with directions marked on a circular slate construction.
Head east through a series of ups and downs to reach Monte Rocchette at 701 meters, then Colla, a trail junction with a table and wooden benches.
From here, it's all downhill. The path is well-marked by 
.
Initially, descend steeply on slate steps (slippery when wet) through chestnut woods and past ancient stone cottages. As you move away from the summit, the descent becomes gentler, and the landscape changes to olive groves and more houses.
Pass Crocetta and arrive at the panoramic Santa Giulia, a hamlet of Lavagna with a beautiful parish.
Continue descending, following the same markers, and after just over 2 km, reach Via Tedisio at the corner of Corso Mazzini, where the trail ends. From here, it's easy to reach the railway station or the church of S. Stefano, the starting point.
